Tyler Berger Named Open Mat Wrestler of the Week

By NU Athletic Communications

| 01/07/2019

Lincoln, Neb. – Huskers senior 157-pounder Tyler Berger has been named the College Wrestler of the Week by The Open Mat, a well-renowned college wrestling news publication. The Prineville, Ore., native earned the honor after defeating Northwestern’s Ryan Deakin on Sunday at the Devaney Center.

The No. 4 ranked 157-pound wrestler in the nation heading into the match, Berger earned a 6-3 decision over Ryan Deakin, who came in as the No. 2 157-pounder in the country. Trailing 1-0 late in the match, Berger grabbed his first lead after a reversal 35 seconds into the third period. Two more takedowns by the senior put the match out of reach as he rode out Deakin to the finish. The defeat was Deakin’s first of the season.

15 matches into the 2018-19 season, Berger holds a 14-1 record (8-0 in duals) with seven major decisions (team high). His 33 dual takedowns are the second-most on the team, and he has yet to be taken down in a dual this season. In his last four matches, he’s defeated the No. 10, No. 4 and No. 2 wrestlers in the country in his weight class.

On Sunday, Jan. 20, Tyler Berger will get his chance to square off with Penn State’s Jason Nolf, the No. 1 157-pounder in the country and the two-time defending national champion in his weight class.

After defeating Northwestern 26-14 yesterday, Berger and the Huskers will have six days to prepare for the No. 18 Northern Iowa Panthers, who come to town on Saturday, Jan 12 for the Tumble N’ Rumble with the Huskers women’s gymnastics team.